Endocarditis

Topic Overview

What is endocarditis?

Endocarditis is an infection of the heart's valves or inner lining. It occurs when germs get into the bloodstream and settle inside the heart, often on a valve. The infection is usually caused by bacteria. In rare cases, it is caused by fungi.

This infection can damage your heart. It needs to be treated right away. If it isn't treated,
endocarditis can be deadly.

What increases your risk of endocarditis?

Your risk is higher if you have a problem that affects blood flow through your heart. That's because a blood flow problem makes it more
likely that bacteria or fungi will attach to heart tissue. Some other things raise your risk too, because they can let bacteria or fungi enter your bloodstream.

How is endocarditis diagnosed?

First, your doctor
will ask about your medical history and your symptoms. The doctor will also do a physical exam to check for signs of the
infection. These signs include a
heart murmur, an enlarged spleen, and
bleeding under the nails.

A chest X-ray. This is to see if your heart is enlarged or if you have signs of heart failure.

How is it treated?

Endocarditis is usually treated with antibiotics. You will probably need several weeks of treatment. The antibiotics must be given long enough and at a strong enough dose to destroy all of the bacteria.

At first you will be treated in the hospital. This is so that antibiotics can be given through a vein (IV). After your fever is gone and you are stable, you may be able to continue IV antibiotics at home. A home health nurse can help you with this.

After you have been treated with IV antibiotics, your doctor may want you to take antibiotic pills. If so, take them exactly as prescribed until they are gone. If your symptoms come back, call your doctor right away. You probably will need more antibiotics if testing shows that the bacteria were not completely destroyed.

Some people who have endocarditis need surgery to repair or replace a heart valve or to prevent complications.

What can you do if you are at risk for endocarditis?

If you have any of these heart problems, you may need
to take antibiotics before you have some kinds of dental work, surgery, or medical procedures. The
antibiotics lower your risk of getting endocarditis. Your doctor can give you
a wallet card to carry that says you need preventive
antibiotics.

It's also very important to take good care of your teeth and gums every day. Good oral care can limit the growth of mouth bacteria that could get into your bloodstream.

Health Tools

Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.

Actionsets are designed to help people take an active role in managing a health condition.

Related Information

References

Other Works Consulted

Baddour LM, et al. (2005). Infective endocarditis:
Diagnosis, antimicrobial therapy, and management of complications: A statement
for healthcare professionals from the Committee on Rheumatic Fever,
Endocarditis, and Kawasaki Disease, Council on Cardiovascular Disease in the
Young, and the Councils on Clinical Cardiology, Stroke, and Cardiovascular
Surgery and Anesthesia, American Heart Association: Endorsed by the Infectious
Diseases Society of America. Circulation, 111(4):
394–434.

Bonow RO, et al. (2008). 2008 Focused update
incorporated into the ACC/AHA 2006 Guidelines for the management of patients
with valvular heart disease: A report of the American College of
Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines
(Writing committee to revise the 1998 Guidelines for the management of patients
with valvular heart disease). Circulation, 118(15):
e523–e661.

Wilson W, et al. (2007). Prevention of endocarditis.
Guidelines from the American Heart Association. A guideline from the American
Heart Association Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis, and Kawasaki Disease
Committee, Council on Cardiovascular Disease in the Young, and the Council on
Clinical Cardiology, Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia, and the
Quality of Care and Outcomes Research Interdisciplinary Working Group.
Circulation. Published online April 19, 2007
(doi:10.1161/circulationaha.106.183095).

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.
How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.